Author: Fiona Craig

Invinity Energy Systems (LSE:IES) has signed an agreement to supply a 32 MWh vanadium flow battery system to Pacific Steel Group for its Mojave Micro Mill development in Kern County, California.

Supported by funding from the California Energy Commission’s long-duration energy storage programme, the project is expected to become the largest vanadium flow battery installation in North America, marking a significant milestone for both Invinity and the wider energy storage sector.

Solar-Powered Steel Production to Benefit from Long-Duration Storage

The battery system will be integrated with a 40 MWp solar power installation, providing reliable, on-demand renewable energy to the new steel manufacturing facility.

Pacific Steel Group’s Mojave Micro Mill is designed to recycle approximately 500,000 tonnes of scrap metal each year into seismic-grade steel reinforcing bar, reducing the carbon intensity of steel production through the use of renewable power and recycled materials.

Invinity’s long-duration storage technology will help manage solar generation and provide energy when required, supporting continuous industrial operations while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

U.S. Manufacturing Expansion Supported by Major Order

The company plans to manufacture the battery systems within the United States, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2027. Revenue associated with the contract is expected to be recognised as deliveries commence.

Management believes the project will support the expansion of Invinity’s U.S. manufacturing capabilities while strengthening its position in the growing market for industrial-scale energy storage solutions.

The contract also demonstrates increasing adoption of long-duration storage technologies in energy-intensive sectors seeking to lower emissions and improve energy resilience.

Strategic Opportunity in Industrial Decarbonisation

The Mojave Micro Mill project highlights the growing role of advanced battery technologies in supporting industrial decarbonisation initiatives.

By combining renewable generation with long-duration energy storage, the project aims to provide a lower-carbon alternative for steel production while maintaining the reliability required for large-scale industrial processes.

Invinity believes demand for these types of solutions will continue to grow as businesses seek to integrate more renewable energy into their operations.

Financial Profile Remains a Key Consideration

Despite securing significant commercial opportunities, the company continues to operate against a backdrop of ongoing losses and cash investment requirements associated with scaling its business.

While leverage remains relatively conservative and recent updates have highlighted progress in reducing costs, expanding partnerships and maintaining funding flexibility, profitability has yet to be achieved.

Technical indicators remain broadly positive due to the strength of the longer-term share price trend, although elevated momentum readings suggest the shares may be vulnerable to short-term volatility.

More About Invinity Energy Systems

Invinity Energy Systems is an AIM-listed energy storage company specialising in vanadium flow battery technology for utility-scale and industrial applications.

Its Endurium VFB systems are manufactured in facilities located in the UK and Canada and are designed to provide safe, long-duration energy storage as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The technology is aimed at applications requiring high utilisation, long operating lifespans and enhanced safety characteristics.

With systems engineered for operational lives of up to 30 years, Invinity focuses on enabling greater adoption of renewable energy by providing scalable storage solutions for grid operators, commercial users and industrial customers around the world.

Luceco plc (LSE:LUCE) has revealed that Chief Executive Officer John Hornby will retire on 31 December 2026, bringing to a close more than two decades of leadership at the company.

Hornby, who has led the business for 21 years, will take a sabbatical until late August 2026 but will continue to serve as CEO and a member of the board through to the end of the year. Following his retirement, he will remain involved in an advisory capacity to support a smooth transition.

Board Launches Search for New Chief Executive

The board has commenced the process of identifying a permanent successor as it looks to build on the growth and development achieved during Hornby’s tenure.

In the interim, the company’s senior leadership team will assume greater day-to-day operational responsibilities, working closely with the board to ensure continuity across the business.

Management said the succession plan has been designed to provide a seamless leadership transition while maintaining focus on the company’s strategic priorities and operational execution.

Trading Remains on Track

Luceco reported that the positive trading momentum seen during the first quarter of 2026 has continued into the second quarter, supporting confidence in the group’s performance for the full year.

The company reiterated its expectation that adjusted operating profit for 2026 will exceed £40 million, indicating that current trading remains in line with internal forecasts despite the forthcoming management change.

The reaffirmed guidance reflects confidence in the underlying strength of the business and its ability to continue delivering growth through the leadership transition period.

Strong Fundamentals Support Outlook

Luceco’s investment profile continues to benefit from improving operational performance, including a significant recovery in cash generation during 2025 and stronger operating profitability.

Valuation metrics remain attractive, with the shares trading on a relatively low earnings multiple while also offering a dividend yield that supports shareholder returns.

Technical indicators remain favourable, reflecting a well-established upward share price trend. However, elevated RSI and stochastic readings suggest the stock may be approaching overbought territory, which could limit near-term upside.

More About Luceco plc

Luceco plc is a London-listed manufacturer and designer of electrification products and systems for residential and commercial markets.

Its portfolio includes wiring accessories, electric vehicle charging solutions, LED lighting products and portable power equipment. The company manufactures through modern production facilities and distributes its products via professional, wholesale and retail channels across its core international markets.

Beeks Financial Cloud Group (LSE:BKS) has signed a new five-year software agreement worth $3 million with a leading North American exchange operator, further expanding its presence in the financial markets infrastructure sector.

The contract will see the customer increase its use of Beeks Analytics while also deploying the company’s recently launched Market Edge Intelligence platform in New York. Revenue from the agreement will begin to be recognised immediately.

The latest deal brings the total value of contracts secured by Beeks during June 2026 to approximately $10 million and represents the third Market Edge Intelligence win since the product’s launch, highlighting strong early customer adoption.

Growing Demand for AI-Driven Infrastructure Intelligence

Market Edge Intelligence has been developed to provide AI-powered analytics and real-time operational insight within latency-sensitive trading environments. The platform is designed for Tier 1 and Tier 2 financial institutions that require enhanced visibility into infrastructure performance and faster decision-making capabilities.

Management believes the strong initial uptake demonstrates increasing demand for advanced analytics delivered directly at the colocation edge, where speed and reliability are critical for trading operations.

The solution complements the company’s existing analytics offering and provides customers with deeper operational intelligence across their infrastructure environments.

New Product Expands Market Opportunity

The launch of Market Edge Intelligence is expected to broaden Beeks’ addressable market while creating additional opportunities to cross-sell services to existing customers.

By combining infrastructure, connectivity and analytics capabilities, the company aims to strengthen its position within the cloud-based trading infrastructure market and deepen relationships with exchange operators, trading venues and financial institutions.

Management believes the growing pipeline of contracts supports the long-term recurring revenue profile of the business and reinforces confidence in future growth prospects.

Financial Performance Supported by Contract Momentum

Beeks continues to benefit from revenue growth, improving margins and a stable balance sheet, providing a solid foundation for expansion.

However, despite the strength of recent contract wins, technical indicators remain weaker, with the share price trading below key moving averages and broader market momentum remaining negative.

Valuation metrics also remain demanding, with the shares trading on a relatively high earnings multiple and no dividend yield currently highlighted.

More About Beeks Financial Cloud Group Plc

Beeks Financial Cloud Group plc is a UK-listed provider of managed private infrastructure solutions for capital markets participants and financial institutions.

The company delivers Infrastructure-as-a-Service solutions focused on low-latency computing, connectivity and analytics, enabling clients to build hybrid cloud environments that connect exchanges, trading venues and public cloud platforms. Beeks also provides enterprise-grade security and compliance, including ISO 27001-certified infrastructure, to support mission-critical financial market operations.

Metals Exploration (LSE:MTL) has obtained exclusive rights to explore, develop and operate the Batong Buhay copper-gold project in Kalinga Province, northern Luzon, following agreements with the Philippine Mining Development Corporation and the indigenous Balatoc (Kalinga) Tribe.

Covering approximately 440 hectares, the project is considered by the company to be one of the most advanced porphyry copper-gold opportunities in the Philippines. Historical drilling has identified significant copper and gold mineralisation, supported by a historical non-JORC resource estimate, providing a strong foundation for future exploration and development activities.

Exploration Programme to Advance Development Potential

Metals Exploration plans to accelerate work at Batong Buhay through a programme of modern exploration and engineering studies. Planned activities include updated geophysical and geological surveys, alongside a drilling campaign scheduled to commence during the second half of 2026.

Management believes the combination of historical data and new exploration work could help fast-track the project towards future development, subject to the results of ongoing technical evaluations.

Multiple Mineralisation Targets Identified

Previous exploration at Batong Buhay outlined at least two porphyry-style orebodies, known as Dickson and Maalinao North, both of which contain extensive mineralisation extending from surface.

Historical drilling also identified zones of higher-grade copper and gold mineralisation within these systems. In addition to the porphyry targets, the project hosts a separate high-sulphidation gold vein system, providing further exploration upside and the potential for additional resource growth.

The company intends to evaluate both porphyry and epithermal mineralisation styles as part of its broader development strategy for the project.

Joint Venture Structure Aligns Community and Government Interests

Development activities will be undertaken through Faratuk Exploration and Mining Corporation, a newly established joint venture vehicle. Under the structure, a subsidiary of Metals Exploration will hold an 80% interest, while the Balatoc (Kalinga) Tribe will retain a 20% free-carried, non-dilutable stake.

The company believes the arrangement aligns the interests of local communities, government stakeholders and project operators, helping to strengthen the project’s social licence and support future permitting and development efforts.

Strong Financial Position Supports Growth Ambitions

Metals Exploration’s outlook continues to be supported by solid operational and financial performance, including revenue growth, healthy margins and a debt-free balance sheet that provides flexibility for project advancement.

Valuation metrics remain supportive, with the shares trading on a relatively low earnings multiple. However, technical indicators remain more subdued, with the stock trading below key longer-term moving averages and a negative MACD reading suggesting weaker near-term momentum.

More About Metals Exploration

Metals Exploration plc is an AIM-listed mining company focused on the production, development and exploration of precious and base metal assets in the Philippines and Nicaragua.

The company is advancing a portfolio of copper-gold and gold projects across prospective mining regions, with a strategy centred on expanding resources and benefiting from long-term demand for industrial and precious metals essential to global economic growth and electrification trends.

Tap Global Group plc (LSE:TAP) has continued to expand its digital finance ecosystem, reporting strong growth in its Tap Earn product as it seeks to diversify revenue streams beyond cryptocurrency trading activity.

The company’s platform combines traditional fiat payment services with cryptocurrency settlement capabilities, allowing retail and business customers to manage digital assets and conventional payments through a single application. Through the Tap app, users can trade and hold a range of cryptocurrencies using AI-powered best execution technology, while the Tap card enables European customers to spend converted crypto funds at more than 37 million merchant locations worldwide.

Tap Earn Assets Under Management Grow Rapidly

Tap said assets under management within its Tap Earn product have exceeded US$5 million, representing a 43% increase since mid-May.

The growth has been achieved despite a broader period of weakness across cryptocurrency markets, suggesting continued customer interest in yield-generating digital asset products. Management views the expansion as an encouraging sign that the offering is gaining traction among users seeking alternative ways to generate returns on their crypto holdings.

Stablecoin Yields Increased to Support Recurring Revenue Strategy

The company has also increased yields available on supported stablecoins to as much as 8.0%.

Tap believes the Tap Earn product can help create a more predictable, asset-based revenue model that is less reliant on transaction and trading volumes. By growing assets under management, the group aims to develop recurring income streams that may prove more resilient during periods of market volatility.

However, the company noted that yield-generating crypto products carry inherent risks for customers and create additional operational and market exposure for the business.

Focus on Expanding Digital Finance Services

The continued development of Tap Earn forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Tap’s position as a digital finance platform serving both individual and business users.

By combining payments, digital asset trading, custody and spending functionality within a single ecosystem, the company aims to increase customer engagement and broaden the range of services available across its platform.

More About Tap Global Group plc

Tap Global Group plc is a digital finance company that integrates traditional payment services with cryptocurrency functionality through a unified mobile platform. The business serves more than 400,000 retail and corporate customers and offers access to over 70 cryptocurrencies alongside digital wallets and payment solutions.

Through its Tap app and Mastercard-approved payment card, users can trade, store and spend digital assets across millions of merchant locations. The company operates under regulatory frameworks in Gibraltar and Bulgaria as it continues to expand its presence in the evolving digital finance sector.

AEP Plantations (LSE:AEP) has reported steady trading during the first five months of 2026, with resilient operational performance supported by firm commodity prices and increased purchases of third-party fruit.

The group recorded a modest decline in fresh fruit bunch production from its own estates, alongside slightly lower crude palm oil output. However, these reductions were largely offset by higher volumes sourced from external suppliers and contributions from the recently acquired Pinago Group, helping to support overall performance.

Replanting Programme and New Mill Progressing as Planned

AEP continued to advance its long-term estate renewal strategy through an extensive replanting programme designed to improve future yields and plantation productivity.

At the same time, construction of a new palm oil mill in Kalimantan remains on track, with commissioning expected in December 2026. The facility is intended to enhance processing capacity and support future production growth across the group’s Indonesian operations.

Management believes these investments will strengthen the company’s operational platform and position it for improved efficiency and output over the coming years.

Market Conditions Remain Supportive

The company noted that recent changes to Indonesia’s export policies are expected to have limited impact on its business because the majority of its crude palm oil production is sold into the domestic market.

AEP also highlighted favourable industry dynamics, including continued demand generated by Indonesia’s B50 biodiesel programme and the possibility of supply constraints linked to El Niño weather conditions. These factors could provide additional support for palm oil pricing and sector profitability.

Acquisition and Growth Pipeline Support Outlook

Management reiterated confidence in meeting market expectations for 2026, citing the benefits of the Pinago acquisition, a strong financial position and a growing pipeline of brownfield acquisition opportunities in Indonesia.

The company continues to evaluate opportunities that can complement its existing portfolio while maintaining a disciplined approach to expansion and capital allocation.

Strong Fundamentals Offset Weaker Market Momentum

AEP’s outlook is supported by robust profitability, a conservatively structured balance sheet and an attractive valuation profile characterised by a relatively low earnings multiple and a solid dividend yield.

However, these strengths are partially tempered by weaker technical indicators, with the share price trading below key moving averages and a negative MACD reading suggesting continued bearish momentum in the near term.

More About AEP Plantations Plc

AEP Plantations Plc is an agribusiness company focused on the ownership, operation and development of palm oil plantations and processing facilities in Indonesia and Malaysia.

The group produces crude palm oil and palm kernels for sale primarily to domestic refineries and is pursuing a strategy centred on estate replanting, operational efficiency improvements and selective acquisitions of brownfield assets to drive long-term growth in the Southeast Asian palm oil market.

Brave Bison (LSE:BBSN) has secured an additional £2 million investment from Professor Mark Ritson, founder of the MiniMBA business acquired by the company, after his investment vehicle, Moonlight Graham, exercised an option to purchase 4,081,632 new shares at 49 pence each.

The transaction increases Ritson’s holding to 7% of the company’s enlarged share capital, further strengthening the alignment between Brave Bison and one of the key figures behind the growth of its eLearning division. The newly issued shares will be subject to a lock-up period until July 2027 and are expected to be admitted to trading on AIM on 18 June.

Investment Enhances Financial Flexibility

The additional capital strengthens Brave Bison’s balance sheet and increases its net cash position, providing greater flexibility to support future growth initiatives across the business.

Management highlighted the continued strong organic performance of the MiniMBA platform, alongside a number of recent major contract wins, as evidence of momentum across the group’s operations. The investment also reflects a long-term commitment from Professor Ritson as Brave Bison continues to expand its presence in marketing, media and digital learning services.

Enlarged Share Capital Following Admission

Following the admission of the new shares, Brave Bison will have 116,319,751 ordinary shares in issue and no shares held in treasury. The updated share count will serve as the new reference point for shareholder disclosure and voting calculations under UK market regulations.

The company believes the transaction further aligns the interests of management, operational leadership and shareholders while providing additional resources to support strategic growth opportunities.

Growth Strategy Continues Across Core Divisions

Brave Bison operates through three principal divisions covering marketing and consultancy services, sports and entertainment content monetisation, and marketing education through the MiniMBA platform.

The company continues to invest in these areas as it seeks to broaden its client base, deepen existing relationships and expand internationally across its network of global operations.

Outlook Supported by Operational Momentum

The group’s outlook benefits from improving financial performance, including a return to profitability, strong revenue growth during 2025 and relatively low leverage levels. Technical indicators also remain supportive, reflecting a positive longer-term share price trend.

However, valuation metrics remain demanding, with a relatively high earnings multiple and modest yield. In addition, fluctuations in profitability and cash generation continue to present some uncertainty regarding the sustainability of recent performance improvements.

More About Brave Bison

Brave Bison is a marketing, media and technology company that provides services, training and content solutions to major global brands. The group operates across eight countries and employs around 350 people through offices in the UK, United States, India, Egypt and Australia.

Its activities span marketing consultancy, digital and social media services, sports and entertainment content monetisation, and professional marketing education through the MiniMBA platform. Clients include global consumer brands, sports organisations, entertainment rights holders and multinational enterprises.

Brave Bison is also the largest shareholder in System1 Group, the UK-listed marketing research company that uses behavioural science and data analytics to help advertisers improve campaign effectiveness.

Quantum Helium (LSE:QHE) has announced encouraging results from the extended production test at its Sagebrush-1 well in Colorado, confirming the presence of high-grade helium-bearing gas and highlighting additional hydrocarbon potential within the project area.

Testing identified helium concentrations of approximately 2.5%, significantly above levels typically considered commercial, while also demonstrating favourable reservoir characteristics. The company reported strong reservoir pressure, high injectivity and confirmed connectivity with natural fracture systems following acid fracture stimulation, supporting the prospect of sustained helium production from the well.

Production Test Strengthens Development Potential

Management said the results provide further confidence in the quality of the Sagebrush reservoir and its ability to support future production activities. Ongoing optimisation and cleanup operations are expected to provide additional information on long-term performance and help refine future development plans.

The data gathered from the testing programme is also expected to contribute to future engineering studies and resource assessments as the company advances the project.

Commercial Oil Production Adds New Growth Opportunity

In addition to the helium results, the production test delivered an unexpected outcome through the confirmation of commercial oil production from the Leadville Formation.

More than 80 barrels of oil have been recovered so far, with analysis indicating the potential for production rates of up to 40 barrels per day on a gross basis attributable to Quantum’s working interest.

The company believes this newly identified oil opportunity could significantly enhance the overall economics of the Sagebrush project and may have wider implications for development across its broader Colorado asset portfolio.

Management noted that the combination of helium and oil production could provide additional flexibility when evaluating future field development strategies.

Financial Profile Remains a Consideration

Despite the operational progress, Quantum Helium continues to face financial challenges associated with its exploration and development stage. The company’s outlook remains affected by ongoing losses, fluctuating revenue and increasing cash requirements.

Technical indicators also remain weak, reflecting a broader downward trend in the share price and negative momentum signals. However, the company benefits from a debt-free balance sheet, providing a degree of financial stability as it advances its projects.

Valuation metrics remain difficult to assess due to the absence of meaningful earnings and a lack of dividend payments.

More About Quantum Helium Limited

Quantum Helium Limited is an AIM-listed exploration and development company focused on helium and associated hydrocarbon resources in Colorado. The company controls one of the largest independently certified helium resource bases among London-listed peers, with its principal assets centred on the Sagebrush and Coyote Wash projects.

Its strategy is focused on supplying high-value industrial helium while also evaluating complementary oil production opportunities that could enhance project economics and support long-term growth.

The Mission Group (LSE:TMG) has reported trading in line with board expectations for the period from 1 January to 15 June 2026, supported by strong client retention rates, a steady flow of new business wins and the benefits of strategic measures implemented to streamline and strengthen the organisation.

During the period, the Group secured new mandates across all five of its core practice areas. New client relationships include Westminster Council, Puma, Amaala Yacht Club, PwC, the International Tennis Federation and Volleyball World, highlighting continued demand for the company’s integrated marketing, communications and digital services.

Strategic Priorities Progressing Across the Business

Management said good progress has been made against its key objectives for 2026, which include expanding operations in the United States, increasing collaboration between agencies, launching a new consultancy offering and pursuing targeted growth opportunities.

The Group has also maintained a disciplined approach to capital allocation while continuing work to refine and strengthen its overall market proposition.

Within its sports division, Mongoose Sports & Events reported a growing pipeline of opportunities in the United States, reflecting the company’s efforts to broaden its international presence and diversify revenue streams.

Leadership and Operational Developments

As part of its ongoing investment in creative capabilities, The Mission Group announced the appointment of Wayne Deakin as Chief Creative Officer at Bray Leino. The company believes the addition will further enhance creative leadership and support future client growth.

The Group also confirmed changes to its reporting timetable following the adoption of a new financial year-end of 30 September, aligning its reporting framework with the revised corporate structure.

Outlook Reflects Operational Progress and Financial Challenges

The company’s outlook remains supported by strong cash generation during 2025 and improvements in leverage, both of which have strengthened the balance sheet.

However, profitability remains uneven, and a significant net loss continues to weigh on the overall financial profile. While technical indicators remain constructive, with the shares trading above key moving averages, elevated momentum readings suggest the stock may face near-term volatility.

Valuation metrics remain constrained by negative earnings and the absence of a stated dividend yield.

More About The Mission Group

The Mission Group plc is a UK-based network of specialist agencies providing marketing, communications and digital services to clients in the UK and internationally. The business operates across integrated marketing, sports and events, property, public relations and healthcare sectors.

Its combined offering spans branding, digital strategy, customer engagement, sponsorship, media, social media, technology and communications, enabling clients to access a broad range of connected services through a single group platform.